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Chapter 6 - Materials

601. Rigid Structure 

The designer shall select materials for rigid structure which are of appropriate strength and which have resistance to sea water corrosion and contamination by fluids used in operation of the vehicle. The hull should be of non-combustible material (but see 603).

602. In submitting data and drawings for approval, standard specification data for all material used in primary structure shall be provided.

603. Where glass-reinforced plastics or composite materials are used in the design, submitted data shall also include manufacturer's data relating to fire resistant properties of the material. The results of standard fire tests on representative samples may be required.

604. The design shall make due provision to prevent electrolytic corrosion due to dissimilar metal contact.

605. Flexible Structure 

In submitting design data for approval, the designer shall include manufacturer's design and test data relating to the composition, weight and tear strength of any material used for flexible or inflated structure and components of the cushion system or buoyancy.

606. Flexible materials shall be selected with due consideration being given to service environmental conditions, and to the material's resistance to deterioration due to contamination from vehicle working fluids, and from exposure to ozone and ultra-violet radiation. Due regard shall also be paid to the material's resistance to fire.

607. Non-structural Materials 

Any material used for insulation, decoration, covering or furnishing shall be of at least low flame spread standard. Where used in locations where they may become contaminated with flammable fluids, they shall be impervious to absorption of those fluids, and shall be self-extinguishing.

608. Manufacturer's data shall be provided for any foam materials used for buoyancy or for stabilizing movement of fluids in tanks.

609. Any foam material used for buoyancy shall be of closed-cell composition, and shall be structurally and chemically stable in service conditions; in addition, it shall not promote corrosion of surrounding structure, or generate corrosive or noxious vapours.

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